Hokett Delos Santos wins local pole vault meet, earns spot in World challenge

Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Hokett Delos Santos ruled the local leg of the World Pole Vault Challenge on Saturday at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.

Delos Santos topped the competition by clearing 5.00 meters in two attempts. He made an attempt at 5.20 meters but opted not to continue afterward.

With the victory, Delos Santos was awarded a surprise spot in Sunday’s World Pole Vault Challenge, where he will compete alongside elite international vaulters.

“Nakakatuwa na may kasamang kaba kasi parang 5-meter-plus jumper lang ako, then lalaro ako sa mga close to 6-meter. Anong mangyayari sa’kin bukas nito,” Delos Santos said in jest.

“Pero masaya po na kasama po ako sa event bukas, para rin makapag-attempt ng maganda-gandang height po.”

Janry Ubas, a multi-medalist in the SEA Games, placed second with a 4.45-meter clearance. Mejen Sombongan also cleared 4.45 meters but needed more attempts, placing third.

In the women’s division, Alyana Nicolas topped the field with 3.80 meters, followed by Amy Christensen at 3.70 meters. Jia Kawachi and Jessa Marie Libres tied for third, both clearing 3.40 meters.

—GMA Integrated News